Das Keyboard 4 - Professional for MAC (MX Blue)

For Mac Users

Be Connected. Unite your life.

That's the latest tagline from Pioneer. Just what do they mean? From what we gather, Pioneer is aware that smartphones are now part of everyone's life in such a big way that they could not neglect this fact in their product development. So we see them innovating smartphone integration into their car receivers in order to achieve a better overall user experience. Things like calling, messaging, music streaming, navigation and such while driving seem to be at the center of their focus. Oh, and not forgetting safety of course.

In the pursuit of seamless integration, they have recently launched their Z Series head units. What does that mean to us? Well, most obvious would be the usage of the Z letter in their newest models. The all familiar AVH-X are now AVH-Z followed by the model numbers and letters.

What Does the Z series models have to offer?

Firstly, lets acknowledge the fact that there has been a gap in the models offered by Pioneer before this. Only the flagship AVH-X8850BT has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. So the cheaper AVH-Z1050DVD is a welcomed addition for those of us with not so deep pockets. Even the most expensive AVH-Z7750BT is still well below the flagship price. Besides the obvious lower price point, there are a number of improvements made over the previous models besides the additional features.

Main Features

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - All 4 models have Apple CarPlay but only 2 models (AVH-Z5050BT and AVH-Z7050BT) have Android auto. This smartphone integration makes using your smartphone while driving a whole lot safer. Learn more about Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

AppRadio Mode+ - Unique to Pioneer AV receivers, AppRadio Mode+ allows for more apps to be integrated to your receiver. Pioneers very own AppRadioLIVE app specifically focuses on Navigation, Media, News and Calendar. This supposedly should cover all you need when on the go.

24-bit True Color Display - The new Pioneer AV receivers reproduce high-resolution images with greater range, smoother gradations and richer tones of color than ever before boasting up to over 16 Million colors. This is new to Pioneer receivers, even the flagship AVH-X8850BT doesn't have it.

Full HD Playback from USB devices - Another feature it has that even the flagship model doesn't is the ability to play Full HD (1080p) video from files encoded in various digital formats (except MPEG-2 and DivX) from USB devices.

Improved Graphic User Interface - The UI on the Z series definitely looks much different than previous models. There is now one touch switching between apps, easy app switching and easy device switching so that users spend less time fiddling with the controls and more time paying attention to the road ahead. The UI is now also less cluttered and customisable allowing for the user to configure it to their preference.

Works with Spotify - Being massive Spotify users our self, this is definitely one very appreciated feature. Now all our music is easily accessible from the receiver.

Setup-free Smartphone Connection - Smartphone connection is no longer complicated an clunky. Just plug in and go. Higher Quality

Pioneer tuned parts for improved sound quality - We never doubt Pioneer when it comes to sound quality and the Z series doesn't disappoint.

Fits all PIAA Super Silicone Wiper Blade assemblies. Match the length of the refill to the length of the wiper blade currently installed on the vehicle. PIAA wiper refills may also fit some Original Equipment and other manufacturers' wiper blade assemblies. Verify that wiper has a square-type claw and stop as shown below. We cannot check for compatibility for you here, sorry.

The PIAA Super Silicone Wiper Blade Refill is made of silicone rubber to ensure greater visibility by coating the windshield with silicone to promote continuous water beading in inclement weather. Water beads up into droplets at low speeds that are easily removed by ordinary wiping. And at higher speeds, wind pressure pushes the water off the windshield, often without even requiring wiper use.

The silicone coating also reduces drag and eliminates annoying and inefficient chattering, regardless of the shape of the windshield to provide greater comfort for both driver and passenger. The PIAA Super Silicone Wiper Blades reapply the silicone coating every time the wipers are used.

New to the vaping scene? Been vaping awhile and looking to play with the big boys? This combo starter kit is highly recommended by us. Be it a flavor freak or a cloud chaser, this kit is pretty versatile. Not only that, it is also very easy to use and maintain. We should know, because it is what we use on a daily basis. All you need to add to this kit is some vape juice, and you're good to go.

New from the 2016 line, we present, the Pioneer MVH-X185UI. This unit has front USB and Aux inputs. It does not come with a CD mechanism. So if you're looking to play CD's, then you're better off checking out the Pioneer "DEH" series.

If you are someone who doesn't need to play CD's and is looking for top notch unit that will play files from your USB pen drive, iPod, iPhone or Android Smartphone, then this is definitely worth a look. It supports a wired connection via USB cable or via an auxiliary audio cable.

Other than that, this unit also has built-in FM Tuner and also Mixtrax. Give it a go if it suits your needs.

A recent post on Facebook was forwarded to me and I wasn't at all surprised. I've been preaching for ages that we should look into the contents of air fresheners as some of them smell...how do I put it...chemical-ish??? Bare in mind though, I did not do any testing on any of the mentioned products. However, I question why aren't the information already available. I'm thinking its time someone takes some kind of action on this.

Upon further digging, I found a couple more articles related to this. All of them strangely from The Star.

This is why I only use California Scents. Not because they are better than the competition. That would be hard to prove as it is rather ambiguous, but due to the fact that they very proudly advertise the safe aspect of their product and also the certifications they have. As a consumer, that is as much as I can depend on to make a "best" judgement.

If you check out their website, you will see that they claim to make their products from pure, natural and organic ingredients. They also point out the fact that whats not in their product is what differentiates them.

Let’s take a look at the other side of ‘pure’ and what is not present in our ingredients; extenders, dilutents, and hydrocarbon solvents.

And here's a little bit about compliance and certification.

California Scents’ dedication to pure has earned the Enviro Kleen Certification on many of its products. Further assuring the consumer that California Scents’ products have been tested and comply with both IFRA and EU standards and the Green standards set by ChemTel Inc.

They also go to great lengths to mention how they are Made in USA and also enviromental friendly. Read more about it here.

Ecothetic is an advanced synthetic petrol engine oil with unique propertis to reduce friction across a wide range of driving speeds and conditions. It maximizes engine performance and is formulated to provide superior all round protection under severe operating conditions.